Edward and Alphonse visit the Eastern Headquarters submit give their report. Edward tries to confirm the rumor he heard in Xenotime about a Doctor Marco with Colonel Mustang, but it is brushed aside. In order to obtain information, Edward challenges Mustang to a duel...

Inside, Breda is petrified at the sight of a dog that seems to have appeared inside headquarters. Fury picked up the dog after he found it shivering in the rain. Ed and Al arrive but the sudden meow of a kitten permeates from within Al's armor. Al runs off after Ed tells Al that he cannot keep this animal.

In Mustang's office, Ed and Mustang discuss the content of his report on Lior City and the fake Philosopher's Stone. Mustang also brings up Xenotime and the destruction of Magwar's mansion. He goes on to list occurrences in Aquroya regarding Psiren.

Mustang suggests that Ed and Al settle down for awhile after three years of searching. On his way out, Ed mentions the name Doctor Marco, an alchemist who passed through Xenotime and cured the red water poisoning.

Suddenly, Hawkeye enters and is proceeded by Basque Gran. Gran notifies Mustang that the Eastern Headquarters will become the temporary Central Headquarters due to Scar's appearance in Central City.

Discussing his progress with Hughes, Ed is overshadowed by Gran who tells Ed that Marco is a deserter who has been missing ever since his untimely departure from the battlefield.

While searching for information regarding Doctor Marco, Ed is informed by Hughes that this year's State Alchemist assessment will take place in East City. Being a combat assessment, Ed chooses Mustang as his opponent. Approved by the Fuhrer, the assessment will use the parade ground as its arena.

The battle commences the next day. The stakes are high with Mustang having to hand over all information regarding Doctor Marco and taking care of the stray cat Al picked up. The battle starts suddenly with Mustang making the first move. All Ed can do is dodge Mustang's attacks. Using a feint, Ed rips of Mustang's spark producing glove and transmutates a gigantic cannon out of the ground. However, Mustang easily destroy's the cannon using the glove on his left hand. About to finish Ed off, Mustang is frozen by a flashback which allows Ed to counter-attack. But before anything else can happen, the match is halted, for the parade ground has become a mess.

Later that night, Hughes and Mustang discuss matters regarding Ed's report and the reason for moving to East City. Hughes reveals that the Fuhrer was asked to seek refuge in East City. A man by the name of Scar has killed at least five state alchemists in Central City.